AUB Productions is working with acclaimed director James Parker to bring an inventive version of Jekyll and Hyde to Bournemouth's Palace Court Theatre.
The adaptation by Neil Bartlett breathes new life into Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Victorian thriller by placing women at the centre. The production explores themes of duality and justice through the eyes of the newly introduced Dr. Stevenson, a female physician fighting for her place in a patriarchal society.
For final-year BA (Hons) Acting students from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), Claudia Costa and Eve Harris, the show represents a sophisticated departure from traditional drama.
Claudia, who plays Jekyll, emphasises the ensemble nature of the piece:
“When you hear the title, you think it's just going to be a story of Jekyll and Hyde. But going through this process, it’s really opened my eyes that every single character in this is so important. If there was no chorus, there wouldn't be a show.”
For Eve, who plays Dr. Stevenson, the role is a journey of empowerment.
“For Dr. Stevenson and for all Victorians, it was so rare to see women in these sorts of professions," she says. "So she plays up to be quite masculine, to make her feel like she fits. But then, throughout the play, she gains her confidence and knows that she belongs.”
Claudia adds, “If you think you know the story of Jekyll and Hyde, think again. This isn't just a play – it’s a physical, high-adrenaline rollercoaster!
“With our almost all-female cast mocking the toxic gentlemen of Victorian London, and the heightened physical theatre, Dr. Stevenson’s journey for justice in a world of secrets is dark, atmospheric, and unapologetically bold.”
The show will be directed by James Parker, Associate Director of Dead Rabbits Theatre Company. As a practitioner trained at the world-renowned École Philippe Gaulier, James' show emphasises physical theatre, "Bouffon-esque" comedy, and high-energy ensemble work.
“Apart from Mr Hyde, it’s women playing men and they all take on the challenge of highlighting some of those traditional toxic male characteristics from the past in a truly joyful manner," James explains.
“Aside from the main roles, there's also a lot of chorus work that happens in the play. In a play like this, the chorus isn't just a group of people; they are the environment. They provide the atmospheric texture of Victorian London all without drawing attention to themselves, yet their presence is what directs the audience’s gaze and tells them how to feel about a scene.
"So, we have a female chorus playing Victorian gentlemen, and Jekyll is one of them. That's where we find the conflict, with Dr. Stevenson probing and pushing to find justice while the gentlemen are trying to foil her investigation.”
AUB Productions' Jekyll and Hyde is showing at Bournemouth’s Palace Court Theatre from 19–21 March. Explore the event on our website for more information.
